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15 June 2018 Vol. No.17

Having trouble getting the College Newsletter at home? Would you like

to receive it via email? If so, please send an email to

school@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au and we will add you your mailing list.

1. Listen calmly to get the full story.

2. Reassure your child that they are not to blame.

3. Ask your child what they want to do about it and how you can help.

4. Visit www.bullying.gov.au to find out some strategies.

5. Contact the school.

6. Check-in regularly with your child.

Dates for Your Diary

June 19-26 Year 11/12 Exam Block 24 Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser 27-29 Student Free Days 29 Last day of Term 2

July 1-6 Confraternity Rugby League and Netball 8-14 NAIDOC Week 9-11 EREA Basketball Tournament 12-14 Down Under Football Tournament 16 Student Free Day Student Leaders’ In-Service

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and All in the St James Community

BOUNDARY TO BOUNDARY ST WALK As advertised in last week’s Newsletter, Reconciliation Australia is mounting its annual walk tomorrow to draw people’s

attention to our responsibilities to ensure our country is one of mutual understanding, compassion, forgiveness and toler-

ance. The Boundary to Boundary St Walk recognises the boundaries of exclusion from the time of the settlement of Bris-

bane that were enforced on Indigenous peoples at twilight during the 19th Century. As always, the College is honoured to

be the starting point for this event, and the symbolism of being located where we are at St James is certainly not lost on

our friends in the Aboriginal Community, for which we are most grateful.

The Walk commences at 2pm with registration available from 1pm. Please come along and join together in solidarity.

The Walk leaves from the grounds of St James and ends at Bunyapa Park, West End.

ST JAMES PACIFIC ISLANDER DANCERS DO US PROUD In a first for our school, our Pacific Islander Dance Troupe was approached to perform in the season of six shows with the

Queensland Musical Theatre company of the great Broadway musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. In

traditional dress, they wowed the audiences each night with their energy and commitment, reflecting the rich Polynesian

culture that is an underlying theme of the musical. My sincere thanks and admiration go to Mr Kubunameca for organis-

ing, rehearsing, transporting and feeding the students, and to their parents for their support and patience in what was a

very gruelling week of nightly performances. The feedback from the audiences each night was extremely positive with

enthusiastic applause and cheers from all – including the cast!

EXAMS AND HOLIDAYS Senior students commence their all-important Semester Examination Block next Tuesday. It is crucial that students give

their utmost in preparing for and performing to the best of their ability. For Year 12s, we are mere months away from the

end of your secondary school career, when are you moving out into a world of promise and hope. But promise and hope

don’t happen by accident. They need to be prepared for with careful and dutiful commitment. It is only through your dedi-

cation that will you achieve your goals and provide for yourself the best opportunities that are out there.

All students finish classes for Term 2 on Tuesday, 26 June, and resume on a Tuesday, 17 July.

BOOK LAUNCH We are delighted to announce the launch of a new book about the story of St James College. Commissioned some 18

months ago to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of St James in 2018, this new history has been

written by historian Ian McDonald and will be officially launched by past Student, Bishop Ken Howell, on Thursday, 28th

June, in the College Library.

The book, entitled ‘We Stand On Holy Ground’, provides a rich social history of the school since its earliest days as St

James School in 1868 through to the wonderfully diverse school we see today, a school that in many ways has mirrored

the story of Brisbane itself, growing as it did while the city itself grew, changed and adapted.

Following the launch, copies of the book will be on sale from the College Office.

Faithful Forever,

Gerry Crooks

Principal

Deputy Principal Mr Tony McCulkin

A recent conference was addressed by Dr Paula Barrett from the University of Queensland. Dr

Barrett reported on recent research regarding neurological and brain development in young people

and the risk factors and protective factors that apply particularly to young men. The main risk

factors are genetic and/or biological in nature. Up to 25% of boys are born with a temperament

where they are more inclined to physiological sensitivity, creating low thresholds for stress. This is

particularly the case between the ages of 13 and 25 due to rapid neurological and brain develop-

ment creating extreme sensitivity, often manifesting in anxiety. Life events trauma can aggravate

the situation particularly when the trauma is chronic.

Boys can be protected from these factors, not surprisingly, through relationships. Seventy percent

of the variance in how young men respond can be attributed to the quality of their attachment,

particularly to parents. At least one high quality unconditional loving relationship is vital. The man-

ner in which the young man relates to the world is also critical. It is a more protective stance to

see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Extended family contact and friendships (critical

up to age 12) and school are also significant protective factors.

Due to the amount of brain development in adolescence boys have increased vulnerability to the

negative effects of drugs, lack of sleep and traumatic life experiences. Young people must have at

least nine hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep has been strongly linked to poor grades and

mental health. A lack of sleep increases the risk of anxiety and depression, poor immunity and

poor judgment and memory.

Healthy young people are characterized by high self-esteem, high empathy, high rates of contribu-

tion, resilience and with many strong, positive friendships.

A reminder that classes for Years 11 and 12 finish next Monday. Exam block will commence on

Tuesday June 19. Students are expected to be studying at home when not required at school for

assessment tasks. While at school students must be in full school uniform and under the direct

supervision of a teacher where such arrangements have been pre-arranged.

AP Pastoral Mr Martin Wiseman

I had the very great pleasure of taking some staff and students to the funeral of former Principal,

Br Vic Larkin on Thursday. Br Vic was a big man in stature and a bigger man in heart. He had

great joy in reminding me all the time that he was the Principal who brought girls to St James and

what a great decision that was!! We all agree of course. He always told me that he read the St

James newsletter cover to cover each week so I hope he’s looking over my shoulder as I write that

he is certainly one of the greatest men I have ever met and the absolute epitome of what the

Christian Brothers stood for, did and what all men should aspire to be. Their motto is “Facere et

Docere” (To do and to teach) and in Br Vic they had the embodiment of that as very few people

have done more for the young people of Queensland than him. He will be sorely missed.

Senior Jerseys

I remind all Year 12s that the jersey is only to be worn on Fridays as it is not an official part of the

uniform.

Exam Block

I spoke to all Senior students and reminded them of their expectations around Exam Block particu-

larly uniform and being at school for a specific purpose. Please ensure all Senior students abide

by these.

BJJ Progam

I thank Mr Aaron Hill who has been working with about 10 of our Senior boys on this wellbeing and

martial arts program over the last seven weeks. It is very pleasing to see these boys engaged with

it to the level they have and to see the growth in them. We hope to run it again next term.

AP Identity Mrs Tricia Parry

On behalf of the St James Cambodian Immersion Program, I would like to thank the following busi-

nesses for their sponsorship of our recent Cultural Night Raffle. We encourage you to support

these businesses which so generously supported our school. The total amount raised on the even-

ing was $890.00 which was an incredible effort! This money will make an enormous difference to

how we can help those struggling in Cambodia during our September Immersion.

sedo coffee Barry Pde Fortitude Valley Sushi on Spring Hill Priceline Pharmacy Spring Hill

Brazilian Beauty Spring Hill Chemist Warehouse Homezone Windsor

sedo coffee

St James Pacific Islander Dance Troupe performs in South Pacific

Br Leo Victor Larkin (1929 – 2018)

BJJ Program

This weekend we celebrate the Feast Day of The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Students learn a great deal about the wonderful characteristics which Mary displayed that gives

us so much to model our lives on for the better. In remembering Mary this week, we pray the Hail

Mary, the traditional prayer to the Mother of Jesus.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts – Forever.

Have a Blessed week.

Middle School Coordinator Mrs Karen Lindsey

Assessment and Finalisation Forms

The last day of Term 2 for students is Tuesday 26 June and many students in Years 7 – 10 will be

completing assignments and exams up until this date. It is important that if students are absent

for any reason, including going away on holidays early, that parents assist their students in

ensuring all assessment has been completed AND that their Finalisation Report has been fully

completed, signed by parents as well as the relevant teachers and handed to the House Dean

prior to finishing the term. College Policy is that any student in Years 7 – 10 who does not submit

their Finalisation Form by 26 June returns to school on the first day of the school holidays for a

half-day detention. At this time, students complete any overdue assessment and/or obtain the

relevant signatures from their teachers. We believe this is a key strategy in teaching students the

importance of adhering to deadlines and upholding their responsibilities. Any questions about

this process, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Mary Rice Mini Olympics Miss Jessica Whelan

During House Assembly last week the Mary Rice Homerooms joined to celebrate our House spirit

through a series of different activities in our Mary Rice Mini Olympics. The afternoon consisted of

four different rounds to highlight the talents of students within the House. These being a war cry

sing off, Homeroom teacher and student Macarena dance, a literacy word association round and

the famous wheelbarrow race. All Homerooms participated with much joy and excitement. It was

a tight competition and in the end Mary Rice Four were the winners! Special mention to Thomas

Markwell who won the best dancer award and Mayen Chaw for winning the most supportive

member award. Go Mary Rice!

Library Ms Nikky Carpenter

Library News

We have a lovely pile of new non-fiction books that have just been put on our ‘New Books’ display.

There is surely something there that will interest you, so come along and have a look.

Our puzzlers are racing along with our new jigsaw puzzle! It’s lovely to see so many students

working collaboratively during breaks, chatting and building friendships.

eLearning News

A reminder that all students MUST

use their laptop’s protective case

at all times. Failure to do so puts

students at risk of damaging their

laptop. There are consequences

for not meeting College

expectations in this regard, which

all students are aware of. Please

do the right thing and protect this

valuable College resource.

ISCA is looking for HOMESTAY FAMILIES to host visiting International students who are here to study and enjoy the Australian High School experience. The age group ranges from 15 up to 18 years of age.

Please contact International Student Care Australia (ISCA) by visiting our website www.isca.net.au or contact us on (07) 3851 0704 during business hours or you can email us at isca@isca.net.au for more information. ISCA pays a competitive market rate per week to reimburse you for your costs.

Mary Rice Mini Olympics

Class of 1978 40 YEAR REUNIION

A reunion is being held on Saturday 23 June,

commencing with a tour of the College at 2pm. Gentlemen are asked to meet inside the Boundary Street entrance to the College. The Class of ‘78

will then gather at Tarragindi at 4.30pm.

Contract Valentino Steinberg at valentino-steinberg@bigpond.com or see the Facebook group ‘Jimmies Boys 1974 - 1978’.

Congratulations Emilia Sport Mr Scott Prickett

Sporting Achievements

I would like to congratulate Emilia Watt, Year 10, on her recent achievements in Equestrian. Emilia

has been crowned Junior Grand Champion at the Cedar Creek Winter Series. On behalf of all in

the St James College community I would like to commend Emilia on her achievements and look

forward to seeing her grow in her sporting choice.

Met East Sport

Last week Beni Bana competed in the U16 State Football Championships representing Met East.

Even though the results did not go in his favour, the team performed very well and played a good

style of football. Beni finished the tournament with 1 goal and 5 assists to his name. I would like

to congratulate Beni on his selection and the hard work he put in to preparing for the competition.

Volunteer Help

St James is hosting the EREA Basketball tournament this year. Volunteer assistance is sought to

help run a small canteen over the three days of the tournament. Also required are some runners

to help collaborate the results.

If you’re interested in this event please email me on SPrickett@stjamescollege.qld.edu.au. The

Competition dates are July 9 to 11.

Basketball Mr Kirron Byrne

The year is well under way and with the basketballers training hard we have already seen an abun-

dance of success and hopefully an indication of what everyone is capable of. Didan Toto, Moses

Majok and Chynelle Marama were able to make State teams with Moses and Didan’s team earning

a silver medal at Nationals and Chynelle playing a major role in her group. We also had an abun-

dance of success in the Met East competition and congratulate those athletes who made State

teams.

In between these accolades we have played a number of games with mixed success as the players

and coaches figure out the best way to improve and peak at the September State Championships.

The July holidays will be a fantastic opportunity for the boys and girls to show their prowess with

the annual EREA basketball tournament being held in honour of our 150th Anniversary. As defend-

ing champions it should be a fantastic challenge. As always any help and support is greatly appre-

ciated.

( Pictured above is the St James Senior Boys Basketball Squad. )

Limited Edition Stubby Coolers Celebrating 150 Years of St James College

Available for purchase at $5.00 each from Reception.

ST JAMES COLLEGE UMBRELLA

If you are looking to purchase a new umbrella for winter, don’t hesitate to see the ladies on

Reception for a highly reliable, wind resistant Shelta Australia golf size umbrella—cost $30.

BBQ FUNDRAISER – BUNNINGS ALBION

Sunday 24 June—7.30am to 4pm

Cnr Hudson Road & Mill Street (Car Park at rear of Bunnings)

Please contact Dawn Moloney at dmoloney72@gmail.com or on 0429 338 040 if you would like to assist at the BBQ for an hour or two. Your support is always very greatly appreciated. Closed in shoes must be worn, thank you.

Dear Parents The Community Resource Unit are presenting an Inclusive Education Workshop titled “Positive Behaviour for

Learning: Meaningful Home/School Engagement on Wednesday 27th June, 2018 from 9.30m – 12.30pm at

The Autism Hub, 141 Merton Road, Woolloongabba, 4000.

This workshop will be presented by Dr Lisa Bridle and the guest presenter is Dr Shiralee Poed. The Cost is $30,

which Includes morning tea. About the Workshop

Have you heard of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) or Positive Behaviour Plans? “Behaviour” is a focus of discussion for many parents and educators, and can be a source of considerable angst and concern. Where behaviour is not well understood and students do not receive appropriate support, it can undermine student engagement in learning. To achieve successful inclusion, it is critical that families and schools work together to achieve productive conversations towards approaches which support rather than punish or exclude. In this presentation, we will discuss the ways schools use PB4L to support student behaviour, engagement, and learning. Suggestions for how schools and families could meaningfully engage will also be discussed. This presentation is appropriate for parents who have their child enrolled, or soon to enrol, in a Government, Catholic or Independent school. About the Guest Speaker:

If you are interested in attending, please register on the website below: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/positive-behaviour-for-learning-meaningful-homeschool-engagement-tickets-46217480729

Donna Martin Head of Faculty – Teaching and Learning Support St James College